Beatz goes on, despite police protest

ROGER KISBYRapper Swizz Beatz is expected to perform at a peace rally in Camden despite protests over some of his lyrics.

RAPBY CLAUDIA PERRY
STAR-LEDGER STAFF

A "Peace on the Streets" rally slated July 26 in Camden has drawn the ire of some police officials because the headliner, New York rapper Swizz Beatz, has rapped about not being a snitch.

The rally, which is sponsored by Clear Channel-owned urban station WUSL (98.9 FM, Power 99) and the city government and school board, will distribute $4,000 worth of donated school supplies.

In his current single, "It's Me Snitches," Swizz Beatz raps, "Freeze, you know who it is/ It's me, snitches" and "I ain't gonna shoot ya/ I could just choke ya."

Since those lines appear to advocate violence and silencing snitches -- or police informants -- police in Camden are concerned that he is scheduled to appear at an event promoting peace in the community. Swizz Beatz is best known for his work as a producer with performers such as rappers Eve and DMX and the band Limp Bizkit.

The city's police department released a statement Tuesday calling for Swizz Beatz, whose real name is Kasseem Dean, to renounce his anti-snitching sentiments. They say a culture that opposes cooperating with authorities makes crimes more difficult to solve and the city harder to clean up.

If the rapper does not renounce his lyrics, the department said it would drop its sponsorship of the rally, which will take place in Stanley Park on Chelten Avenue from 6 to 8 p.m.

"The use of the word 'snitches' in the song was just an edit for radio," Swizz said in a statement yesterday to The Associated Press. "If I supported violence or the 'Stop Snitching' campaign, I wouldn't have agreed to be a part of the event .¤.¤.."

Other city officials say they have been assured that Swizz Beatz is no longer rapping about hard-core violence and will have a positive message in the two songs he's expected to perform at the rally.

"He's actually sharing a lot of positiveness," said the Rev. Tony Evans, a spokesman for Mayor Gwendolyn Faison. "A lot of artists, even though they have material that might not be appropriate for all ages, they do want to position themselves as having a positive impact on communities." A spokesperson in the mayor's office confirmed the event was still on yesterday afternoon.

Swizz Beatz's appearance is being paid for by Power 99, which is in Philadelphia.